Best XI: Liverpool Ladies’ Natasha Harding reveals her top team mates

This season on Offside Rule Podcast, we’ll be catching up with plenty of footballers – both current and former – to piece together their Best XI’s.

First up, it’s the turn of Liverpool Ladies attacker Natasha Harding – also a Welsh international who has played with some top players at both international level as well as at her previous clubs Manchester City Women and Bristol Academy.

So without further ado, find out who made Harding’s team and why they made it below.
Goalkeeper – Siobhan CHAMBERLAIN

I played with Siobhan at Bristol Academy and it was a great year for everyone in 2013 when we qualified for the Champions League. She was phenomenal that season and one of the very best. She’s still on the top of her game with Liverpool too.

Right Back – Lucy BRONZE

She’s a fantastic individual and she made my job look a lot easier than it was when I was at Manchester City last season. She had an amazing World Cup last year and she’s a solid one to have at the back.

Centre Back – Steph HOUGHTON

Again, I was with her at City last season – she’s a great professional and she’s always working hard on and off the pitch. She does everything she can for the team and she’s got a great pass on her as well which is always helpful!

Centre Back – Jennifer BEATTIE

Jen is another one from City and I could have put her in midfield too. She’s a really great player – she can step forward from defence and pick a pass that not many people can. She’s really fantastic.

Left Back – Alex GREENWOOD

Alex and I have got a bit of a partnership going now at Liverpool. She’s another who makes my job a lot easier than it looks. She’s a really great character to have around; she’s got fantastic ability and a great left foot.

Right Midfield – Laura DEL RIO

I played with Laura at Bristol and she’s probably one of the best Spanish players I’ve ever played and that the league has ever seen, to be honest. Another fantastic individual – skills that I’ve never seen anything like and another great person off the pitch.

Centre Midfield – Sophie INGLE

Sophie’s ability is like none other. I’d probably compare to her to Xabi Alonso – she’s composed, she can pick passes and is an absolutely fantastic player. There are only so many players like Sophie around.

Centre Midfield – Jess FISHLOCK

Jess is another I played with at Bristol and I’m fortunate enough to play with her for the national team too. She’s so determined and a great person. The quality she has in her all-round game is fantastic.

Left Midfield – Toni DUGGAN

She’s a great player, has great vision and is one of those players who can create something out of nothing. She is a team player but a fantastic individual too and she’s a great person to have around a dressing room.

Striker – Natasha HARDING

I have to put myself in there – when I was at Bristol under Mark Sampson he brought the best out of me in the few years I spent there. I scored most of my goals there and had the best years of my career there.

Striker – NATALIA

Natalia is at Arsenal now and still playing really well. She’s an out and out No.9 and she’ll finish anything inside the box. You can’t give her two seconds because she’ll punish you. She’s absolutely deadly and if you give her a yard, she’ll score a goal.

Super Sub – Demi STOKES

She can left back, left wing and she’s a fantastic player. She’s got an engine like I’ve never seen before. She’s so quick and very strong so to have her as a potential back-up isn’t half bad!